Gifted students already have many of the dispositions that are needed for expert-like problem solving. These include:
Capacity to build an expert's knowledge base (ability to take in facts quickly and remember them)
Evidence of conceptual and abstract reasoning (looking deeper into the problem)
Capacity for problem solving (carefully selects problem solving strategies)
Possessing expert-like dispositions (knowledge that some questions do not have a straight forward right answer)
(Gallagher, 302-305) What does this mean for teachers of gifted students who want to use Problem-based learning? PBL is a great starting point for teachers to challenge their students, but it needs to be adapted some before it is appropriate for the unique learning needs of gifted students.
Modifications:
Make sure the PBL is using advanced content that will deepen the student's knowledge base
The concept that the problem is centered around should be complex so that students can look at deeper meanings
The problem should have interdisciplinary connections that the students have to figure out
Use of higher order thinking skills that promote reasoning, self-direction and critical thinking
Discussion of the ethical issues with the problem from all viewpoints
- Capacity to build an expert's knowledge base (ability to take in facts quickly and remember them)
- Evidence of conceptual and abstract reasoning (looking deeper into the problem)
- Capacity for problem solving (carefully selects problem solving strategies)
- Possessing expert-like dispositions (knowledge that some questions do not have a straight forward right answer)
(Gallagher, 302-305)What does this mean for teachers of gifted students who want to use Problem-based learning?
PBL is a great starting point for teachers to challenge their students, but it needs to be adapted some before it is appropriate for the unique learning needs of gifted students.
Modifications:
- Make sure the PBL is using advanced content that will deepen the student's knowledge base
- The concept that the problem is centered around should be complex so that students can look at deeper meanings
- The problem should have interdisciplinary connections that the students have to figure out
- Use of higher order thinking skills that promote reasoning, self-direction and critical thinking
- Discussion of the ethical issues with the problem from all viewpoints
(Gallagher, 310-317)PBL Applications